Liverpool fans should be excited over the emergence of young midfielder Bobby Clark from the academy.
That’s according to U21s head coach Barry Lewtas. Lewtas was speaking to the Liverpool Echo about Clark’s development since arriving from Newcastle United in 2021. Praising the 18-year-old’s progression, the coach suggested that Clark is ready to make a permanent step-up to the first team next season.
“It depends on wherever he’s needed by a manager. I think what’s really exciting is for someone so young he has shown that he’s able to play in the middle of the park, both in and out of possession,” said the coach.
“He’s extremely talented and his pressing is excellent. He’s been a really good player for us, but I also think he’s made massive strides as well, big improvements, and that’s what he’s going to have to continue to do.”
Having made two senior appearances this season and impressed during friendlies, it’s been a big year for Clark. Hopefully he can kick on again in pre-season.
Clark looking to take his chance
It can be easy to forget when looking at the glaring holes in Liverpool’s squad, but they do have a good crop of players coming through.
Just in terms of the midfield, Klopp will definitely have Stefan Bajcetic back with the first team next season. The young Spaniard’s emergence could yet save the Reds millions in the transfer market. So too could Clark.
Although he isn’t yet ready to be counted among the senior options available to Jurgen Klopp, the teenager is clearly very gifted. You don’t make your Premier League debut at seventeen for a club like Liverpool if you’re not. The manager has already talked Clark up publicly and is clearly a fan.
As seen by the Bajcetic’s meteoric rise, things can change very quickly for young footballers. Get a chance, take it and suddenly you’re a fully-fledged first-teamer. If Clark can demonstrate everything Lewtas says in pre-season, then who knows where it can take him in 2023/24.
Tyler Morton is another who will be back in the fold for pre-season. Between these three youngsters, they’ll be hoping to show Klopp that he has perfectly good midfielders already at the club.
Of course, we still expect Liverpool to strengthen quite considerably in the transfer market. But with players like Clark also developing further and putting the pressure on, the Reds have plenty to look forward to next campaign.